Jane had her first volunteer session today & thoroughly enjoyed it. An altogether positive experience, working with children again in a happy, productive atmosphere & making contact with teachers with whom she used to work. We have no idea for how long Jane will be able to sustain this effort, but to echo ChanteyLass' words: "Glad to read that things are going as well as they are. I hope that continues to be true". Things are going well at present & the longer that persists, the better, With Love, Nigel & Ann xxxxxxxxx

P.S. I would like to add Ilnur to our crew list. She is a former student of mine who has just been given some worrying health news.

Very pleased to report that Jane's treatment continues to hold back any further spread of the cancer. She's feeling well enough to do some voluntary work at a local school at which she used to teach. To quote her own words: "It makes me feel more normal". Yesterday (Wednesday), Jane, Alex (one of her sons), Ann & myself spent the day together celebrating Ann's Birthday. A really delicious lunch, followed by a matinŽe performance of 'The Duchess of Malfi' (weird, but strangely compelling!), finishing off with Traditional Afternoon Tea at The Savoy...our calorie intake went off the scale! It was wonderful to see Jane in our Family Quartette, enjoying Ann's Birthday...normal people doing the normal things one does to celebrate a special Birthday. Thanks to gnu for listening. Special thoughts & Love to Pete & his Mother. Janie, your expression: "peanut gallery" put a smile on my face that never entirely went away! Our course is set. The weather is fair. Our voyage continues. Much Love to you all, Nigel & Ann. xxxxxxxxxx

very gracious of you,nigel and ann.mum still surviving,frail but still eating.just celebrated 61st wedding anniversary-telegram from the queen pleased her.we never thought she would live to see it. glad to hear or your enjoyable trip and jane doing well. i'm not up on the tec stuff so ill wait to hear the rainbow voyage! love and prayers pete.

Ann & I are saddened by the news of Pete's ailing Mother. We send him our warmest thoughts & want him to know that we share his voyage. On 'The Rainbow' we travel together, caring & looking out for each other. Initially, this thread was just about our daughter, Jane, but over the past few months, it's taken on a broader 'feel'. 'The Rainbow' is about all of us, our trials & tribulations...successes & failures...love & laughter...tears of sadness...tears of joy. No one needs permission to come aboard. Our holiday with Jane took us to the beach, the shops & malls, some excellent restaurants & seemingly endless cups of coffee, drunk in the company of a seemingly endless group of friends! She remains positive & determined to live each day with as much energy as she can muster. Jane returned to the UK yesterday with Ann & myself to continue her treatment programme. 'The Voyage of The Rainbow' is not quite ready for general publication, but if any of you would like to hear a 'rough mix', PM me your email address & I'll attach an mp3. Your privacy will be respected & your email address will NOT be shared with another living soul, you have my Word! On the other hand, if you're prepared to wait a week or two, I will make a link available to my Music Channel on YouTube. It's good to be home, Much Love to You All, Nigel & Ann. xxxxxxxxxx

Ann & I are back home, safe & sound (no pun intended!)...jet-lagged & very tired, but very happy following our holiday with Jane & her Family. Give us a day or two to reset our body-clocks & I'll write again, Sweet Dreams, With Love, Nigel & Ann. xxxxxxxxxx

Not been around for a while - glad that the ship is still on course. Its amazing just what can be acheived with prayer and healing thoughts so - to the other Pete - we have added you and your family to our prayer list. Best wishes banjoman(Pete)

I don't know when you'll read this but I hope you don't mind that Pete is included in the voyage. Let me rephrase that: I know you won't mind, but I hope you'll excuse me for including Pete before speaking with you.

Three weeks ago my grandmother started bicycling eight miles a day. As of now, we have no idea where she is.

The roughest roads/sea lanes make for the best and most touching stories. Looking forward to hearing from you, and hearing that your little sweetheart--don't matter how old they get, they're our kids--is doing well.

I still think of you all every night. And say prayers, although unlike some people, I ain't quite sure who I'm saying the prayers to. Don't matter, because I know who I'm saying them for.

B

PS Pete is a really good guy, and he could use some words of kindness, as could we all. Keep well, Nigel, and the thread will continue until your return.

The cabin boy, the cabin boy The d-----------------------

Sometimes I get carried away. Reminds me of a night I attended a St Patrick's Day event. I'll tell you sometime. But not here. :-)

thanks so much for your kind thoughts and encouraging words.i am very touched .my mum is elderly so i guess it is not the same as the threat to a young life and i appreciate how much that must weigh on parents. blessings on yer pete.

"i am physically well but sadly have been expecting to lose my mum anytime so if at anytime i drop out for awhile it is not lack of interest. God bless pete."

I am not big on prayer, Pete, but I'll add your mum to the names Nigel, Ann and Jane. I am sorry for your sadness. I have admired your character and fortitude in the face of scathing remarks made to you in some threads, and now to see that you are facing a similar family situation with verve and courage, your support for Jane and her parents lends new meaning to the term Christian.

I'm pleased & not a little relieved to say that the piece of Music I've been writing, now finally entitled: The Voyage of 'The Rainbow', is finished. By that, I mean the overall composition is complete...I still have a considerable amount of editing & general 'tidying up' to do before I'm happy to reveal it to the World! It is dedicated to everyone who has contributed to this thread, in recognition of your Love, Care & Support. I'll post as soon as I'm ready to go public, With Love, Nigel & Ann xxxxxxxxx

Hi, Pete. I spoke with Nigel a few days back about that piece of music. It's taken on a character and dimension of its own. We could be waiting just a wee bit longer, but the wait will have been worth it.

Not to worry Nigel.........if not 999, there are so many that check here every day or two it will stay up without a problem.....unlike 999 who can't.....LOL...............Sorry B, but that line just was just laying there....had to be said..........

Ann says a big thank you for your birthday wishes & likewise from me too. Freda, the Macdonald River photo is absolutely beautiful. The tranquility positively oozes out of the shot. I know exactly what you mean about seeing stars...REALLY seeing stars for the first time. Our location couldn't have been more different. Ann & I were in the desert, well away from the centre of Dubai...we'd never seen so many stars (no light pollution)...we lay back in our folding chairs & gazed up in wonderment for ages...stunning experience. Janie, simple words that belie a deeper meaning...very grateful...you captured our mood precisely. We will be away soon for a few days. If one or two of you could stop by & check that the old ship remains steady on her course, that would be much appreciated. In the meantime, Much Love to You All Nigel & Ann xxxxxxxxx

I'm glad the latest tests have a good result Nigel and Ann. I've just been at a beautiful little folk festival in St Albans, a small historic town north of Sydney in a valley surrounded by low, tree covered mountains and the beautiful Macdonald river. What a peaceful weekend, with lots of folk music and a night sky full of so many stars, stars that I don't see living in the city.